This is the story of our precious daughter, Sara Rose. She was born at 27 weeks. This details our journey as a family through the ups and downs of this situation. She is our 3rd daughter, she has hydrocephalus and now lives with a shunt. She is home now and her older sisters adore her. Here we are, living and depending on the strength and grace of our Father in Heaven.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Rocking Chair and Infomercials

I asked Jennifer to write the first paragraph. but that's all she's got. Rocking Sara into the night watching infomercials has a negative effect on wakefulness.

There are so many things we thank God for concerning Sara. When awake, she is very happy, can't hardly quit smiling. She is improving all the physical skills she needs to be improving. She is responding to her therapy and her two fantastic therapists who come once a day each week. Which is nice because we know at least two mornings each week the house will be straight. Her reflux is improving, her bowels are working well, and she is growing. Sara got her latest round of immunizations. Her sisters went with her and did not enjoy that viewing experience. She goes next week for an eye exam. Pics will be posted tonight. Most of all, God has protected her from sickness, and we haven't been in a hospital for 3 months!!. Many, many thanks for all of that.

But my oh my, when is she going to start giving us some consistent sleep. I know, I know, the travails of a new born. It's the nature of the beast. But if I don't tell you about it, then you can't pray with us. And in light of the other serious issues Sara has faced and by God's grace overcome, this seems minor.

Of course we try and figure out what is causing the wakefulness. It's not always fussiness, sometimes she is just wide awake and smiling from 2-3. Is it reflux? Constipation? Colic? Growth Spurt? Teething? Shunt related? Loneliness? Cold Temps? Phase of the moon? Divine sense of humor? Testing of our marriage through sleep deprivation? Demonic possession? It's got to be something.

In perspective, we have much the thank God for in how He is helping Sara. It's just sometimes we are too tired to see that perspective. But hey, at least if anyone needs any recommendations on magic grills, bullet choppers, workout systems, or vacuum cleaner hair cutting systems - ask Jennifer, she would be glad to recommend. If only I could wake her up....

4 comments:

It took us almost a year to break our Sara's NICU sleeping habits and actually get a full nights sleep. They seem to get used to the every 3 hour wake-ups and feeding schedule. Hang in there it will change soon! We eventually moved her into her own room with a monitor and unless she cried we just let her play. We'll be praying for it o get better!!!

So great to hear the good update-thanks! You both can rest in knowing that you are doing a good work in being faithful and attentive parents, "guarding that which has been intrusted to you" :)in love,amy

Oh, I hope you can get some sleep soon. We alternated nights and that way, one of us would always be at least half awake. My mom would come once a month and give us both a break. We finally bought Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It was a life saver for us. I don't know if it would work for you, but thought it would be worth a shot! Good luck!